Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Mar 21: India’s pharmaceutical sector has grown into a globally integrated and policy-backed industry, ranking third in the world by volume and 11th by value, according to an official factsheet released on Saturday. The sector comprises over 3,000 companies and 10,500 manufacturing units, forming a robust domestic and international supply network.
The domestic pharmaceutical market is currently valued at $60 billion and is projected to nearly double to $130 billion by 2030. According to the Economic Survey 2025-26, the sector’s annual turnover reached Rs 4.72 lakh crore in FY25, with exports growing at a 7% CAGR over the past decade (FY15–FY25).
India is recognized as the largest global supplier of generic medicines, accounting for approximately 20% of global supply and producing around 60,000 generic brands across 60 therapeutic categories. Strong manufacturing capabilities, rising exports, increased foreign investment, and targeted government initiatives have collectively strengthened domestic production, reduced import dependence, and expanded India’s global market presence.
Government policies promoting affordable access, innovation, quality assurance, and regulatory oversight have bolstered public health outcomes and strengthened international confidence in Indian pharmaceuticals. Trade agreements with the European Union, United Kingdom, and New Zealand are expected to further expand market access and deepen India’s global trade linkages in the pharmaceutical and medical devices sectors.
India also hosts the largest number of USFDA-approved manufacturing plants outside the United States, reinforcing international trust in product safety and quality. The country has about 500 active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturers, representing roughly 8% of the global API market.
In vaccines, India is a global leader, supplying DPT, BCG, and measles vaccines. Indian manufacturers provide around 60% of vaccine supplies to UNICEF, meet 40–70% of global demand for DPT and BCG vaccines, and account for 90% of WHO’s measles vaccine requirements.
Pharmaceutical exports have shown remarkable growth, reaching $30.5 billion in 2024–25, a 16-fold increase from $1.9 billion in 2000–01, reflecting India’s integral role in global healthcare supply chains.
The factsheet emphasizes that India’s pharmaceutical industry is on a stable, forward-looking trajectory, combining strong domestic production with global engagement, innovation, and long-term resilience.